Christian Living Archives – Page 46 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

The Prisoner Becomes A Prince

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“The Prisoner Becomes A Prince” by Kirk Hunt

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 41:39-40 KJV

(Read also Genesis 40:20 through 41:44)

Joseph, despite years in prison, spoke revelation and wisdom. He explained Pharaoh’s dream. He suggested a course of actions. Then he waited.

Maybe Joseph hoped for a pardon. It’s possible he thought he might get a new job as a slave-steward to the new Grain Administrator. Of course, you and I know Joseph had been set-up.

The forgotten man became a foremost minister. He traded his (orange) prison garb for royal robes. The prisoner became a prince in a single hour.

Only God can so suddenly change prisoners into princes. Only the King of the universe can so completely and rapidly reverse the situation of a man. Only God knows the set up he has in store for you.

You thought your unseen hours and unrewarded labors were for nothing? You thought you had been thrown away and forgotten? God has made plans concerning you and His angels are working that plan with care and precision.

You have been set up. All that remains is the pay off. What God promises, God delivers. With interest.

Think : God has set me up, and I am glad.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out Your set up with grace and joy.”

Ramp Yourself Up

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“Ramp Yourself Up” by Kirk Hunt

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Be skeptical of the press releases. Discount the glowing documentaries. Ignore at least half the criticisms. They worked hard for their success.

Every accomplished man or woman has a story of long hours of practice and study. Even the gifted and talented labor hard for their successes. Any one, who achieves any thing, leaves tears, sweat and even blood on the training floor.

I encourage you to ramp yourself up. His call on your life requires it. His Word promises you can do it.

Paul directed Timothy to improve his knowledge of Scripture. An accomplished pastor and teacher, Timothy already knew Scripture well. Still, Paul encouraged his protege to study himself up to the next level.

God has a high and mighty calling for your life. Perhaps you’re already living out that calling. To be what God wants you to be, you need to study Scripture as never before.

God calls you to become the best. Being first class requires hard work and long hours. Still, who wants to be second rate?

Think : God has called me to be the best, even though I have to work hard for it.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip myself to build Your Kingdom.”

The Other Smart Ones


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“The Other Smart Ones” by Kirk Hunt

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV

Prayerfully, when you walk into the room, the average IQ goes up. Scripture is full of references to men and women of intelligence, wit and wisdom. In fact, there are instructions, in Scripture, on how to become smarter and wiser.

Clearly, God wants His people to be among the best and the brightest. Scripture is also very clear. Being among the smart ones doesn’t mean you are the only smart one.

Smarts is also different from integrity or faithfulness. Judas is traditionally the best educated of the Disciples. Solomon ended as an idolater.

Never assume you’re the only smart one in the room. Always assume that God has another clever and faithful soul near by. Reach out to the other smart saints in the room.

Somewhere, near by, are men and women who can help you expand God’s Kingdom. Ask graciously. Equip generously.

You aren’t the only smart saint in the room. Reach out. Then, reach up. Thank God, you aren’t the only smart one in the room.

Think: There are other saints capable of building the Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip others to build Your Kingdom.”

Excluded From Miracles


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“Excluded From Miracles” by Kirk Hunt

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Matthew 9:25 KJV

Most of Jesus’ miracles were committed in public. The miracles served as His credentials that His Word came from God. Certainly, excluding witnesses was unusual.

Whether with gracious ushering, or with gruff insistence, the “mourners” found themselves outside. The other Gospel accounts (Mark 5:22-42 and Luke 8:41-56) emphasize the limited audience for Jesus’ raising of the girl. The miracle became famous, after the fact.

Scorn and disbelief are the enemies of Real Faith™. Faith are the acts you commit, in anticipation of what you do not see. Faith and disbelief cannot coexist in harmony.

Jesus’ told Jairus, multiple times, to believe. He did not rebuke his fear and grief. Faith is not the absence of hurt or concern, but is the presence of hope in God.

You can cling to faith, despite your circumstances. It is easy to understand a grieving father’s fears and doubts. I doubt your situation is easy or without issue. Regardless, you must put out your disbelief before your faith can work.

There’s a famous miracle in your future. If you’re willing to put out your disbelief. There’s the door of your heart. Who’s leaving?

Think: Disbelief and faith cannot coexist in your heart. One of them must leave.

Pray: “Lord, help my belief and faith in what You will do in my life.”

Scorners

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“Scorners” by Kirk Hunt

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

Matthew 9:23-24 KJV

Please read Luke 8: 49-53

Admittedly, they were professional mourners. These folks were paid to loudly “grieve” and play sorrowful music. The call for them to come came after a signature on the death certificate.

Still, they must have known of Jesus. Clearly, they understood what He said. Their response indicates they thought it through, rationally.

Scorn is more than disbelief. Scorn is active rejection. Scorn and contempt usually arrive, handcuffed together.

How do you respond to Jesus’ announcements and pronouncements for you and yours? Do you respond with faith and belief? Too often, we respond with scorn.

Our professionalism looks at the facts and figures and comes to the logical conclusion(s). Regular thinking can not see the things of God. You will probably react with scorn to Jesus’ impossible statements regarding your life.

Put your professionalism to the side. Check your regular thinking at the door. Respond with faith and trust to Jesus’ promises for you and yours.

True Faith™ is not mindless, but it is at odds with regular thinking. Choose to see with spiritual eyes. Decide to believe what Jesus says, despite the facts and data.

Think: Do I really believe what God says about me and mine?

Pray: “Lord, help me believe, not scorn, what You say for my life.”

Testify

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“Testify” by Kirk Hunt

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Mark 5:19-20 KJV

“You can’t fool me. That’s him. What are we going to do?”

Imagine the reception that the formerly possessed man received when he came home. His friends and family weren’t sure to embrace him, or flee the scene. Borrowed clothes and sane eyes couldn’t hide his helter-skelter past.

Once everyone decided he had changed, they wanted to know just one thing: How? What had changed a monster back into a man? Who or what had the power to recover a hopeless case?

With every eye on him, the recovered man told his story. “I met a man who reacted with power and compassion instead of fear and dread.” The audience reaction comes as no surprise.

As God’s men and women, we are witnesses to God’s grace. We are the lost souls and hopeless cases that only His power could save. We should tell the story more often.

Testify. They need to hear. You need to remember.

Think: I am a living witness to God’s power. I should be quick to testify.

Pray: “Lord, help me to tell the story of how you changed my life.”

Soldiers In The Real World

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“Soldiers In The Real World” by Kirk Hunt

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 KJV

The battle rages around us every day. Corruption infests a little deeper. Compromise becomes more blatant. Sin gets bolder. I’m sure you noticed.

The place of battle is where you stand: Front office or workshop, building site or sales counter, schoolhouse or jailhouse. You are deployed by divine purpose and heavenly intent. His Hands have placed you there to get the job done.

No matter how you came to be where you are, or why you stay, you are to stand and deliver. Stand as a light of right and hope in the darkness. Deliver the Gospel of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

Each day, the darkness encroaches on more of the world. Each day, more souls perish without knowing Him. Won’t you take your place on the battle lines?

The time for battle is now. The soldier is you. Your weapons are spiritual, not natural.

Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is Present, stands with His soldiers. Those who go in His Name are never alone or without His Power. Will you be the one to deliver God’s Salvation?

Think: I have been placed here and now for God’s Purpose.

Pray: “Lord, help me to carry out Your mission in Your way.”

The Torn Veil

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The Torn Veil by Kirk Hunt

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark 15:37-38 KJV

In my heart and spirit I walk through the Temple. At the threshold to the Holy of Holies I pause. Only the High Priest should pass the Veil.

Once a year the High Priest would pass the Veil and offer a sacrifice for the nation. And he would do so, trembling. A sinful heart before the Mercy Seat would bring God’s judgment, not forgiveness.

The Veil, the barrier between sinful men and Holy God, has been torn. The ragged tear is evidence of Jesus’ sacrifice. He has made access to God free and clear.

I come before the Mercy Seat, trembling. Because Jesus’ Blood is on the Mercy Seat, I am free to stand before the Throne. I am grateful for the privilege to approach God freely. I am joyous that access to His Presence is not only open, but encouraged. I am humbled by the sacrifice that allows me this unequaled freedom.

In His Presence I am free. Free to talk, face-to-Shekinah, with God. I worship my Holy God. I commune with my Heavenly Father. I reach out and touch Him, knowing that with the Veil torn, His response is love, not judgment.

Think: I have access to God’s Throne.

Pray: “Lord, I thank You for free access to Your Throne and Presence.”

Job’s Release

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“Job’s Release” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10 KJV

Job’s losses started in chapter 1. At the beginning of chapter 42, Job remained penniless, diseased and grieving his lost sons and daughters. Scripture aptly sums up these crushing and painful circumstances as “captivity.”

Job’s release or restoration didn’t start with care packages or emergency assistance. Job’s captivity ended when he followed God’s command to pray for the men before him. The wounded and devastated became whole and prosperous when he ministered to, and for, others.

Job’s journey through the dark and loss ended in the light of prayer and service. The very men who should have interceded for Job needed him to intercede for them. In the moment he blessed others, Job’s cell door fell out and his chains fell off.

Perhaps you’re journeying through a tough place. The solution to your circumstance may surprise you. It may lay in your blessing and benefiting others.

Job’s release represents the times and places where you bless and minister despite your own lack and hurt. Job ended chapter 42 playing with his grandson’s grandsons and granting endowments. All because he prayed and ministered for others.

You are called to bless and benefit others. What do you have to lose by being obedient? Perhaps, your captivity.

Think: God’s grace flows through your obedience, not your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, I am willing to be an instrument of grace, despite my own situation.”

Despite The Circumstances

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“Despite The Circumstances” by Kirk Hunt

Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:9-10 KJV)

Job 2:9-10 KJV

Mr. and Mrs. Job sat in the middle of devastation and loss. A lifetime of carefully accumulated wealth disappeared in the space of a morning. The precious lives of their 10 children had been just as unceremoniously cut short. Job, himself, lay miserable and hurting with disease.

You would think there would be at least a little bitterness. The facts point to betrayal by God Himself. Job ignores that false conclusion.

Job chooses to trust God. During the good. Despite the bad. He knew that no matter the circumstances, God’s love is good and constant.

Hurting with pain, and living through extraordinary loss, Job held the line. He refused to believe that God had abandoned him. He dismissed the story told by the facts and figures.

Perhaps you are hurting during a season of loss and devastation. Ignore the statistics. Trust in God’s faithfulness and grace.

No matter how dark and hopeless it looks, God is there. He didn’t turn from you then. He will not turn from you now. There might be chaos and noise today, but there will be peace and calm in your (near) future.

Think: When everything is disrupted, God’s grace remains.

Pray: “Lord, I choose to trust you, no matter what.”

Disruptive Grace

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“Disruptive Grace” by Kirk Hunt

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Luke 7:14 KJV

Jesus interrupted the funeral proceedings. He interfered with a solemn ceremony. Jesus deliberately intruded on the widow’s grief and sorrow.

It’s not hard to imagine the results. The mourners suddenly became dancers. The weeping widow instantly became a joyous mother. The young man sat up, wondering why he was in a coffin in the middle of the street.

Jesus’ grace is all-powerful and undeniable. When He touches a situation, nothing can remain the same. The grace of Jesus is disruptive. God doesn’t fit in a box. The master of eternity doesn’t worry about schedules.

Too often, we object to God’s grace. His Presence comes at inconvenient times. His power and provision manifests in inconvenient ways.

Think for a moment. Do you really object to what God is doing for you and in you? However inconvenient, will you refuse the grace He is pouring into your life?

Seek Him, but be prepared. He may come in an unexpected and unanticipated way. Be open to disruption. Embrace the chaos and confusion that can follow God’s blessing and provision.

Think: When His grace falls, everything is disrupted.

Pray: “Lord, disrupt my life with Your grace.”

Your Year of Release

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“Your Year of Release” by Kirk Hunt

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

Deuteronomy 15:12-13 KJV

Perhaps you made some mistakes. Maybe your start in life was less than ideal. Keep right on working for Him. Your circumstances will be transformed by His Grace.

During the sabbatical year, debts are forgiven. At the year of rest, freedom is restored to the captive. The weariest soul receives rest and restoration during the year of freedom.

God is a God of second chances. He knows that men and women often need to start again. For ancient Israel, freedom came in the form of the sabbatical year.

For us, redemption comes through the Cross and the blood of Christ. He died so you could go free. Even now, He is your advocate in heaven.

God knows our hearts and minds need rest. He sees our unspoken needs and hidden desires. Sooner, or later, He always rewards the faithful.

His freedom is more than release from bondage. He will load you down with benefits and blessings. You will walk, free and full, into a new life and opportunity.

He has commanded your freedom. Your blessings and benefits have been reserved for you. Get ready for your year of release.

Think: God will give me a second chance and a season of restoration.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I receive Your freedom and restoration.”